MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Disruption marred the Copa America final on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, culminating in the arrest of Ramón Jesurún Sr., 71, president of the Colombian Football Federation, and his son, Ramón Jesurún Jr., 43, on charges of battery against a specified official/employee, as detailed in arrest reports. Jesurún Jr. faces an additional charge of misdemeanor battery stemming from an alleged altercation with security guards following Colombia’s defeat to Argentina in the final match.

Addressing reporters upon his release from jail Monday night, Jesurún Jr. voiced frustration, labeling the incident as "totally unfair." He defended their actions, citing possession of official credentials and implying provocation by security personnel.

The match concluded amidst widespread disorder, with numerous fans breaching security barriers, prompting law enforcement to apprehend a total of 27 individuals, including Luis Beltran Martinez and Elkin Mayorga, facing serious charges. Martinez reportedly rushed the entry gate without presenting a ticket and attempted to distract officers by throwing water at them. Meanwhile, Mayorga allegedly leapt over turnstiles, resisted eviction, and engaged in physical altercation with officers, resulting in injuries requiring hospitalization.

Video footage captured scenes of unruly fans forcibly entering the stadium, circumventing security checkpoints, and even accessing stadium vents in unauthorized attempts to gain entry. Miami-Dade Police confirmed multiple incidents of disorderly conduct, underscoring breaches in security protocols despite comprehensive safety measures.

Former Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez criticized crowd management, stressing the necessity for enhanced preparation in handling exuberant yet disorderly attendees at such high-profile events. Perez emphasized the importance of leveraging lessons from this incident to refine future security operations.

Amid the turmoil, an officer sustained injuries from a thrown rock, with emergency responders attending to 116 medical incidents in and around the stadium, highlighting the significant disruption caused by the chaotic scenes.

In response to security concerns, a spokesperson for Hard Rock Stadium defended preparation efforts, citing a substantial increase in law enforcement and security personnel deployed compared to standard events. However, unauthorized access and subsequent vandalism persisted, resulting in substantial property damage and operational disruptions.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava condemned security lapses, expressing dismay over the incident despite deploying over 550 police officers for the event. She committed to a thorough review of security protocols to prevent future incidents, stressing the imperative of robust measures to ensure public safety during major sporting events.

The scenes at Hard Rock Stadium underscore the complexities of managing large-scale events with passionate fan bases while upholding stringent security standards. The incident highlights the critical importance of effective crowd control and preemptive security measures to safeguard attendees and preserve venue integrity.

As investigations into the disturbances continue, lingering questions focus on the adequacy of security measures and enforcement of stadium policies to deter unauthorized access and maintain orderly conduct at future events. The aftermath of the Copa America final presents a pivotal opportunity to bolster security protocols and fortify readiness for hosting international sporting spectacles in Miami and beyond.